In the charcoal business, quality alone does not guarantee success.
Many suppliers lose buyers not because of bad charcoal — but because of wrong sizing, poor packaging, or market mismatch.
Different countries and industries demand different specifications.
If you supply the wrong size or packing, importers face losses, complaints, and storage problems — and they won’t reorder.
This guide will help you match the right charcoal specification with the right customer so you can increase repeat orders and reduce claims.
1. Why Charcoal Size Matters
Charcoal is not a one-size-fits-all product.
Size affects burning time, airflow, ignition speed, and usability.
Buyers always purchase charcoal for a specific purpose:
- Restaurants want fast heat
- Hookah lounges want long burning
- Retail stores want clean appearance
- Importers want minimum breakage
If size doesn’t match usage → customer dissatisfaction.
2. Wood Charcoal Size Guide
Large Lump (40–120 mm)
Best For: Restaurants, grilling houses, steakhouses
Features
- Long burning time
- High heat retention
- Less frequent refueling
Export Demand
Middle East, South America, restaurants worldwide
Medium Lump (20–50 mm)
Best For: Retail BBQ users & supermarkets
Features
- Balanced burning
- Easy packing
- Most popular consumer size
Export Demand
Europe & general retail markets
Small Lump (5–20 mm)
Best For: Home cooking & tandoor use
Features
- Quick ignition
- Fast heat release
- Budget-friendly
Export Demand
Asia & local cooking markets
Charcoal Fines / Powder (<5 mm)
Best For: Industrial & briquette factories
Features
- Used for shisha briquette production
- Not suitable for grilling
3. Coconut Charcoal Briquette Sizes
Unlike wood charcoal, coconut charcoal buyers are extremely specification-sensitive.
Cube (25×25×25 mm)
Use: Premium hookah lounges
Burning Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Market: Europe & high-end cafes
Flat / Finger Briquettes
Use: Fast session smoking
Burning Time: Medium
Market: Mixed retail
Hexagonal (with hole)
Use: Traditional shisha markets
Burning Time: Very long
Market: Middle East & bulk buyers
4. Packaging Matters More Than You Think
Importers don’t only buy charcoal — they buy logistics efficiency.
Wrong packaging causes:
- Moisture damage
- Powder formation
- Container losses
- Retail rejection
5. Recommended Packaging by Market
Africa & Bulk Markets
- 20–50 kg PP bags
- Simple printing
- Focus on durability
Goal: Cheapest transport cost
Middle East
- 10 kg carton boxes
- Inner plastic liner
- Strong compression resistance
Goal: Balance of price and presentation
Europe & Premium Markets
- 2–5 kg printed boxes
- Barcode & retail design
- Moisture protection
Goal: Shelf appeal + brand value
Shisha Charcoal Export
- Master carton + inner shrink wrap
- Breakage protection essential
- Palletized loading required
Goal: Prevent cracks and dust
6. Container Loading Tips (Very Important)
Many suppliers ignore this — and pay the price later.
Always:
- Use pallets for briquettes
- Use desiccant bags (moisture absorber)
- Avoid over-compression
- Maintain ventilation gaps
Result: Less powder, fewer complaints, more repeat orders
Conclusion
Winning long-term charcoal customers is not only about offering a good product — it’s about offering the right specification for their market.
Correct size + correct packaging = satisfied importer + repeat orders.
Before exporting, always ask your buyer:
- End use?
- Storage condition?
- Retail or bulk?
- Target customer?
A supplier who understands usage becomes a partner — not just a seller.
